Adjustable liquid dispenser



DeC- 22, 1954 H. w. KOGAN ETAL. 3,162,335

ADJUSTABLE LIQUID DISPENSER Filed March 20, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS Janes C', 5000: Y HENRY W. Koen/v //z/-lu JT L//s/v/Ek/.SK/

A//Lso/v, SETTLE a CRA/s ATT/VEYS Dec. 22, 1964 H. w. KOGAN ETAL ADJUSTABLE LIQUID DISPENSER /26 .'5 Sheets-Sheet 2 llll lllll VTII Filed March 20, 1961 .l w I D INVENTOR5 JEIMES C. BUDDE BY HENRY M KoG/JN ARTHUR .,T. l//s/v/EMSK/ WISO/V, 557725 Lew/e' IQTTORNE V5 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS Jmes C. BUDDE Dec. 22, 1964 Filed March 2.o, 1961 United States Patent O ADJUSTABLE MQUH) DESPENSER Henry W. Kogan, @ak Paris, .lames C. Budda, Utica, and Arthur .L Wisniewski, Hamtramck, Mich., assignors to American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation,

New York, N.Y., a corporation ci Delaware Filed Mar. 2h, 196i, Ser. No. 36,327

11 Claims. (Cl. Z22-JM) The present invention relates to an adjustable liquid dispensing device. More particularly, this invention relates to a device for storing and metering an adjustable amount of a liquid additive into home appliances, such for example, as clothes or dishwashing machines and into vending machines, such for example, as coffee or soft drink machines.

There has been a strong demand in the home appliance and vending machine industries for liquid dispensing devices which are capable of accurately and quickly dispensing adjustable amounts of liquid additives. It is desirable that such dispensing devices be capable of automatically metering adjustable predetermined amounts of liquid additives and be capable of storing a sufficient quantity of additives for a large number of operations.

One factor in the appliance industry leading to the need for automatic liquid dispensing devices has been the trend in recent years towards the development and marketing of automatic clothes and dishwashing machines. This :trend has included within its scope the automation of numerous tasks ancillary to the actual Washing process. One such task which has recently drawn the attention of .the appliance industry is that of dispensing .the various liquid additives which are used in the washing process. In particular, there has been a need for a dispensing device for use with dishwashing machines. The dispensing device is needed for the injection of a rinse additive into the machine to produce spot-free `drying yof dishes. It is impractical for the housewife .to add a rinse additive at the point in the dishwashing process where it is needed, i.e., during the rinsing process .which follows the actual washing step. While the present invention is not limited to dishwashing machines, it is particularly adapted to .be used with such appliances.

One desirable feature of such a liquid dispensing device is that it be operable with a minimum number of component parts. Simplicity of design results in reducing manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs are, of course, `vitally important when consideiing the addition of an ancillary device to an appliance. Preferably, rthe dispenser is not of the type that kwill break down under normal `use and need expensive servicing. should be rugged and durable in use. Another important feature is that the device have accurate adjustable metering means. A small metering error is very significant in proportion to the small total amount of additive dispensed in each operation.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a liquid dispensing device which will automatically dispenseadjustable metered amounts of liquid.

"Another object is to provide an electrically-operatedl dispensing device which may be conveniently correlated with the cycle of the machine with which it is used.

A further object is to provide a structure having a storage container of suliicient capacity to dispense the required amount Y of liquid wetting agent, detergent, bleach, or other additive for a large number of operations.

Another object is to provide a dispenser which is operated by an electric solenoid but in which the solenoid Itl 3,162,335 Patented Dec. 22, 1964 lCe which is rapid acting to dispense the required amount of liquid in a very short period of time.

Another object is to provide a dispensing device of the universal type which can be constructed to handle many different kinds of liquid. Y

. A yet further object is to provide a `device which is self-priming to avoid the necessity Afor a mechanism to ll the metering chamber after each dispensing operationn Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claimls, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a front elevational view partly in section showing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional View taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIGURE l looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the solenoid plunger and associated structure utilized to actuate the dispenser mechv arr-ism; y

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the metering chamber of the FIGURE l embodiment showing the relationship of the various parts just prior to a dispensing operation;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 showing the relationship of the parts during a dispensing operation;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 showing the metering chamber during the relling cycle after a dispensing operation;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of suitable control means for operating the dispenser of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention partly in section for the purpose of clarity.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that Athe phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to 'FIGURES-1 and 2, the dispenser it) comprises a body composed of an upper member l?. and a lower member 14. The upper member 12 is composed of successively larger sections i6, 18, 20, 22. A plurality of circumferential openings 24 are provided in the upper wall 23 of section le and serve as an inlet to the dispenser. The dispenser is adapted to be gravity fed from a liquid reservoir (not shown) positioned thereabove. The reservoir may be directly connected to section 16 or a tube may be connected to section 16 to communicate with a reservoir.

Positioned within body section 20 is a collapsible bellows 26. The lower peripheral edge portion 28 of the bellows extends into the recess formed by body section 22 and is clamped in this position by reduced-portion 3th of the lower body member 14. The upper and lower body members may be conveniently secured together by screws (not shown). The edge 28 of the bellows forms a iluidtight seal at the juncture of the upper and lower body members.

rl`he upper end of the bellows is provided with a thick relatively rigid section 32 having an opening y3d therethrough forming a liquid inlet into the bellows. In the position shown in FIGURE l, section 32. abuts against al shoulder 36 l.formed by the juncture of sections 18, 2d. The shoulder 3e serves as a stop to limit expansion ofthe bellows.

stem 48 extends into opening 50V of the tubular guide 46" and has an enlarged portion 52 which enga-ges the side wall-s of the opening 50 to guide the stem .during stem movement. The stem 48 extends downwardly through anY opening in valve element 38 and has washerV 54 which. abuts against the lower surface of the valve element tohold the valve element against downward movement on'4 Y the stem.V The lower end of-guide stem-48 -i axially extending recess 56 to receive reduced portion 58 of Ya 'second stem 60. The stern 60 kcarries Va cup-shaped member 62 which is biased yupwardly by spring 64V into abutment with washer 66 provided on the reduced portion 58. The washer 66 in turn Yabuts against the lower end of the guide stem 48. The spring 64 is stronger than the valve springvr 40, and thus serves to maintainl the guide stem 48 andl attached valve element 38 in the normal nondispensing -position shown.l Member 62 is provided with openings 63l so that it will not block the passage of liquid through bellows opening 34.

A `second bellows element 68 is positioned within the kmain bellows 26. The bellows 68 serves as a sealing element. The upper enlarged resilient portion 70 has an opening 71 through which is inserted reduced stem portion 58 to thus seal the interior ofbellows 68 from the liquid in the dispenser. The-lower endtof the stem 60 exten-is lthrough bellows 68 and thence through an opening 72 in a bracket 74V and is attached to a plunger 76 of an electric solenoid 78.l The .bracket'74 vhas a'bossV 80 which ex- Y tends into an opening 82 providedjin thelowerbody `member 14./ The lower peripheralV edge portion of the bellows-68 is clamped between the bracket boss 80 andl the body member 14 to thus seal the body opening 82.

The bracket has projections 811,f83.witl1.openingsf85, 87.V

for the reception of fastening means! to secure the dis.-v penser structure to a suitable support structure'.

V'The space between the two along. with the lower bodygrnember 14 forms the metering chamber of thedispenser. :A lliquid outlet structurejg` is provided inbody member14^for" vthe dispensing'o'f liquid from the metering chamber. The-body memberfllihas a recess formed by opposed interconnected down-vv wardly extending walls 84,VV 86.5An opening 88 is provided' in wall 86. The opening 881s normally closed byk check valve element 9) .which is biased-tothefclosedl position by spr-ing 9,2,An'y internally threaded tubular extension 94. f

extends voutwardly, froniwall86.' An externally threaded yspout 96 threadin'gly"engagesv the extension`94.. A gasket 98 is provided to seal these-elementsY togetherain Vfluid-V tight relationship. The spout 96has a plurality of interior as a stop to 'limit outward movement of the valve-element. 90; However, when the Valve element 90 abutsf. f

against the ilanges, 100, fluid can still flow from the meter?Y ing chamber aroun the spout( Control fof the projecting portion-104 of stem 60..'e'xtends between ears D ownward. vmoveinentfofV the plungerV 76" willfrnoye `the" e s provided with an .2O

'bellows elements 26, V68

ab' radiallianges 100 which surround and guidethe` check". j valvespring 92.. Thev innerr ends 102 .of flanges 109 fact d the 'flanges lil/Dito bedischarged from v time:y of f dispensing and theamount ofy i material dispensed is accomplished by means yof the solenoid .78'4'and j' associated adjusting means. j Downwardly stem 60 downwardly, compressing the spring 64 and bellows 68. This movement isk effective to permit the spring 40 to move the valve element 38 to close the bellows openings Y34. YContinued expansion of the spring 40 is eective to compress the bellows 26 and force the check valve element 90 .to an open position whereupon fluid contained in the meterin-g chamber is discharged from the dispenser spout 96.V Y j 'f The spring 40 will continue to compressthe bellows 26 until the lower end'of stem 48 again engages the washer 66 carried on stem 60. The length of the stroke of the plunger 76 determines the amount of compression of Ythe bellows 26 and thus controls the amountA of uid dispensed from the dispenser.y Y p Means are provided to adjust the length of the stroke fof the plunger .76 to permit dispensing adjustable amounts of liquid. The adjusting means comprises 4a cam 114 which is operative to position adjusting arm 116y to'set the plunger forthe desiredlength of stroke.' The arm 116 'is pivotally mounted intermediate itsy ends on projection `81 of the braeket'74by-pin! 120.v The arm 116-ext`ends through an opening 122 .in thebracket and-has curved ears 124,126 on its inner end. The ears` 124, 126 extend `around plunger ears 106, l108 and abutagainst theplunger surface 128.y The outer end of the arm 116 threadingly receives screw 130 having a headi132-in pressure contact with the outer periphery of the cam 114. The head 132 is maintained in pressure contact with the cam by-I means of spring 134 which extends from the arm-into engagement Vwith vthev cam shaft 136; The spring is prevented from sidewise movement on shaft 136 by a washer 138.

` The cam.- 114 comprises a circular element mounted 'for Vrotation on the 'shaft 136. v. The=shaft 136 is positioned eccentrically of the center of the circle whereby rotationof the' cam is ,effective to move the screw -head 132 closer or farther away from the'shaft 136.

As will be appreciated, suchrnovement of the head 132 will causethe arm 116 to pivot about pin 120. 'Pivoting ofthe arm 116 in theclockwise direction, asvviewed in FIGURE -.l, will cause the ears 124,1126 to move the solenoid plunger76 downwardly to thus shorten the stroke or the plunger. Counterclockwise rotation of the arm 116V will result in upward movement of the ears 124, l126, and the spring 64 will move the plunger 76 upwardly to thus lengthen the plunger stroke. In the position shown in the FIGURE l, the oam114 is positioned to allow the plunger 76 toV have Vits ymaximum stroke. d

FIGURES 3,. 4and l5ji1l1,1strate onevdispensing'pycle. v The" figures` depict Va .'situation'in which theV stroke ,of-.the .solenoid plunge'r'is less than [maximum to more clearly illustrate the-'mode.ofoperationof'the dispenser. Y

FIGURE y3;'illustratesthe .dispenser inlitscinitial position ,before a dispensing cycle. lAsfwillfbe noted, the stem 60 ispositioned at '..afpoint lower than th-atfshown in 55;"FIVGUREYgl`., Thezyalve. element 3810i course :follows ythe 'stcrngdownwardly'rrand' ,thusis also positioned at a, location lowerthan'that Vshown,-inFIGURE.1.v The bellows 26," kbeing biased in its'manufacturetorexpand,,does not hayegits-.upper section 32 inviabutrn'entlwiththe cup member I62.',as inl-"IGURE'4 l, but-.instead abutsagainst the valyeipelement 38. In, this position]the-opening y3,4.is f closed anddispensing'will ystart immediately upon downw-ardmovement of the guide stem48.` j l e 1"'.Uponenergization of the solenoid, theV stem 60 is rer acted,'fpermitting the-valve element j38to collapse the bellows 26 as shown 4inFIGURE 4.1" As previously exthrough the spout-,9.6. Upon Vde-energization'ofthe/solenoid; the spring-64 ,will forcefthe guide stem 48 and .valvelelementf'38upwardly. YYThebellows 26 does not expand" to its.uncollapsed-position a's-rapidlyfasV the movement. ofthe `spring 64 carries Lthe cup 62 upwardly.

the '.ppperisurface .ofV the 1 cup'.V will 'engage ytheV v,bellows seetionr13`2rtomovethe bellowsV toits uncollapsed position.

Vplainedrsuch collapsing is effective `tol discharge liquid Consequently',"during upward movement of the' cup.62,

During this upward movement, as will be noted in FIGURE 5, there is a gap 140 between the valve element 38 and the bellows section 32. This gap 140 permits the bellows to be refilled during upward travel. Material is drawn into the bellows as =a result of the vacuum created by bellows expansion. After the other components have come to rest by virtue of abutment of the solenoid plunger against the inner end of adjusting arm 116, the bellows will slowly expand to again reach the position shown in FIGURE 3.

Actuation of the dispenser may be conveniently correlated with the timing mechanism conventionally employed in automatic appliances. A typical arrangement is shown in FIGURE 6. As there shown, a source of power 142 has leads 144, 146 applied to the coil 112 of the solenoid. A normally open switch 148 is provided in lead 145. A ca-m 150, which may be mounted on the cam shaft of the timing mechanism, is provided to close the switch at the desired time in the washing cycle. When the cam has rotated to a position where lobe 152 contacts switch 148, the switch will be closed. As soon as the cam lobe 152 rotates beyond the switch 148, the switch will open. Dispensing is, of course, accomplished during the period when the switch is closed.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. The dispenser 154 comprises body member 156 which is formed integrally with a reservoir structure 158. An inlet passageway 160 leads downwardly from the reservoir 158 and opens into metering chamber 162 for gravity feed into the metering chamber. An outlet passageway 164 leads downwardly from the metering chamber. Port 166 in the outlet passageway is normally closed by ball valve element 168 which is biased to the closed position by fa spring 170.

Flexible diaphragm 1'72 forms one wall of the metering chamber 162. The diaphragm '172 is held in place by body member cap 174. The peripheral edge portions 176 of the diaphragm act to seal the juncture of body members 156, 174.

The diaphragm 172 is biased by a spring 178 to deform and expel fluid contained in the metering chamber through the outlet 166. The spring 178 is inserted over inwardly extending tubular portion 180 of the cap 174. A cup-shaped member 182 is provided to contain spring 178 and abut against the diaphragm. The cup member 182 is carried on a stem 184. The stem 184 extends through'tubular portion 180 and has a reduced threaded section 136 which extends through openings in the cup member and diaphragm. A stiffening plate 188 is inserted over the threaded section 186 and abuts against ythe inner surface of the diaphragm 172. This assembly 'is lheld in place by a nut 19t) which threadingly engages threaded portion 186.

' A second reduced stem section 192 extends inwardly from the threaded portion 186 towards inlet port 194. The stem section 192 slidingly extends through valve element 196 and terminates' a short distancetherebeyond. A nut 198 is yprovided on the end of the stern section 192 to retain the valve 'element 196. Valve element 196 carries a resilient disc 288 for closure of the port 194. The vrdisc 2410 abuts against radial `guide anges 202 provided on the periphery of valve element 196. The flanges 282 f actas guide members for theY valve element through port y194. yaround the flanges 282 to fill the metering chamber. A

Liquid can flow, however, 'from the reservoir stifening plate 2214 is provided on the back of disc 200. A-r` spring 296 abuts against plate 204 at one end'and f against plate 188 at the other end, thus biasing the valve element towards the closed position. The spring 286 is weaker than the spring 178, and is overcome by the spring 178 during a dispensing operation to permit deformation of the diaphragm 172.

The stem 184 projects rearwardly through the tubular yportion 180 and terminates exteriorly of'the dispenser body. .The stem` is guided in a sliding path through tubumade adjustable by lar portion 186 by an enlarged annular section 208. The stem is provided with enlarged annular portion 210 at its outer terminus and with a second enlarged annular portion 212 adjacent thereto.

As in the FIGURE l embodiment, an arm 214 is provided to limit the length of the stroke of the stem 184. Arm 214 is pivotally mounted by means of pin 216 to a bracket 218 which extends outwardly from reservoir structure 158. The arm 214 is a channel section and has ears 22) which project over the stem 184 at a point between annular portion 212 and the dispenser body cap 174. The upper end of the arm 14 is provided with a threadable screw 222, the head of which engages cam wheel 214 which is eccentrically mounted on axis 226 as in the FIGURE l embodiment. A spring 228 maintains the screw and cam in engagement as previously described. The ears 220 of the arm 214 act as stop members to limit inward movement of the stern 184. In the position shown in full lines, the arm 214 prevents any inward movement of the stem. This is the zero dispensing position. When positioned as shown in dotted lines, the arm 214 will permit inward movement of the stem 184 a distance equal to the distance between ears 220 and the enlarged portion 212.

A second arm 230 is provided to actuate the diaphragm 172. The arm 230 is pivotally mounted by means of pin 231 on projection 232 which extends downwardly from a bracket 234. The bracket 234 has an opening 236 and is inserted over the dispenser cap 174. Bracket 234 is secured to the dispenser body as by welding. The arm 230 has ears 238 as its lower end which project over the stem 184 between annular enlargements 210, 212. The upper end of arm 238 is curved at 240 and normally abuts against the outer end of solenoid plunger 242. The solenoid plunger 242 is biased outwardly to the position shown by a spring 244. Energization of the solenoid coil (not shown) is effective to withdraw the plunger 242 and permits the arm 230 to pivot in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 7.

In operation of the dispenser, the solenoid 242 is Withdrawn, and the spring 178 detorms the diaphragm 172 to reduce the volume of the metering chamber. The action of the spring 178 also carries the stem 184 inwardly to move the disc 280 to close the port 194.

Continued deformation of the diaphragm after closure of port 194 operates to force liquid contained in the metering chamber out through the port 166. The stem section 192 slides through the valve element 19d-and kis received in a recess 246 in the inlet passageway during the dispensing operation. When the annular portion 212 on the stemy abuts against the ears 220 of arm 214, the dispensing operation ends. As will be appreciated, the amount or" deformation of the diaphragm is determined by the length of the stroke of stem 184. Consequently, the amount of liquid dispensed is determined by 'the length of the stem stroke.

positioning the arm 214 as previously described.`

After liquid has been dispensed, the solenoid plunger 242 is again extended, pivoting the arm 230 in a counterclockwise direction to withdraw the diaphragm 172 and eventually open the port 194. The vacuum created in the metering chamber during withdrawal of the diaphragm is effective to draw more iluid from the reservoir into the metering chamber to refill the chamber for the next dispensing operation. Control of theY operation of the dispenser may be integrated intov the appliance timing system as shown in FIGURE 6.

An important feature of both the-FIGURE l. and FIG- URE 7 embodiments is that the motivating force to deform the liexible wall during dispensing is provided by a spring and not by the solenoid. This arrangement permits the solenoid plunger to retract quickly. Deformation of the exible wall during dispensing is ya relatively slow process.- If the wall were deformed by the sole- The length of the stern stroke isy and means to adjustthe'length of the stem stroke "7. 3. Inl a liquid dispenser comprising a body'havinga ,liquidmetering chamber; an inlet to said metering'charn-4 -ber; an outlet from 'said` metering chamber; valve means solenoid chatter or noise andrwould also cause-excessive wear of the solenoid.` Slow return of the solenoid plunger does not cause a problem because the, return is effected by a spring.`

Having thus describedy our inventiomwe claim: l. In a liquid dispenser comprising a body having -a liquid metering chamber; anvinlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; `valve'means for said inlet operative to open the inlet for filling the metering chamber and to close the inlet during dispensing; valve'means for said outlet operative to close the outlet during filling of the chamber VVand to open the outlet during dispensing; and flexible wall means forming a portion of the wall of said metering chamber; said exible wall means being deformable to expel liquid from the meteringchamber through said outlet; the, improvement -comprising the provision of Vresilient means biasing the ilexiy ble wall means to a deformed position; a slidable steml member normally positioned to oppose said resilient means and prevent deformation of the flexible wall means;v

means to ymove the stem out of its normal opposingV position andV through a strokeof predetermined length whereby the resilient means is effective to deform the flexible wall means to dispense a quantity of liquid through said outlet; the amount. of liquid dispensed being determined lby the amount of deformation of the exihle wall means;

the amount of deformation of the flexible wall means being determined by the length Vof kthestem stroke; and means to adjust the length of the stem` stroke comprising a stop member on the stern; an armpivotally mounted. y

intermediate its ends; a iirstend of saidl arm being positionable along the longitudinal axis Vof the stem;-means associated with a second end of the arm to pivot thearm, and move the iirst end to4 a selected position withrespect to the stem stop member; contact of said first end ywith the stop member yon the stem being effective to determine the length'of the stem stroke. n f Y o i 1 Y 2. In a liquid dispenser comprising a bodyihaving a liquid metering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outletfrom said metering chamber; valve means for said inlet operativeto open the inlet for filling the metering chamber and to close the'inlet duringdispensing;

valve means for said outlet operative to close the'outlet during illing of thechamber and to open the outletV during dispensing; and lexiblewall means forming a portion 'of Y the wall. of said metering chamber;l said flexible wall means being movable toward the outlet to expel liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; the improvement comprising the provision of resiiient means prisingthe provision ofv resilient means biasing the ilexiblewall meanst'o a deformed position; a slidable stem member' normallypositioned to oppose said resilient means and preventdeformation of the flexible wall means; means-tov move the stem out of its normal opposing position and through a stroke of predetermined length whereby the resilient rmeansisvl effective to deform theexible wall meansV todispense a quantity' of liquid throughsaid outlet; the amount of liquid dispensed 'being determined by the amount of deformationtof the flexible wall means; the amount Vof deformation of .the ilexible wall means being determined by thelength of the stem stroke; and means to adjust the length ofthe stem stroke comprising a stop member on the stem; an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends; a irstend 'of said arm being positionable along the longitudinal axis of thestern; a rotatablel cam in contact with the second end vof the arm to pivot the arm and move the rst end to 'a selected 'position with respect to the'stem stop member; contact of said rst end with the stop member on thetstem being effective to determineV the length of the stem stroke.

4; In a liquid dispenser comprising a body having a liquid metering chamber; an inlet. to said metering charnber; an outletfrom saidr meteringrchamber; valve means for said inlet operative to open the inlet for filling the metering chamber and to close the inletduring dispensing; valve means forsaid outlet foperative to close the outlet during filling ofthe chamber and' to open theoutlet during'dispensingfand exible wa'll'means forming a portion' of the Wall of said metering chamber; lsaid flexible wall vmeans being Vmovable toward the outlet to expel liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; the kimprovement comprising the provision of resilient means biasing 'the ilexiblervvallme'ans toward said outlet; .an electric solenoid having a slidableV plungerinormally positioned to abut against said resilientmeans and prevent movementof theV flexible Wall means; activation ofthe solenoid being-effective to moveY the .plunger out of its normal abuttingpsition andithro'ugh a strokeof-predetermined length whereby theresilient means is effective to ,move theV llexible wall means tordispense a quantity 'of liquid through said outlet; the amount of liquid dislbiasing the llexible wall means toward said-outlet; a slid-'g able stem" member normally positioned to abut, against said resilient 'means andv prevent movement of the flexible wall means; an'electric solenoid having Va slidrable plunger operatively connected tothe stem to maintain the stem in its normal position; activation of the solenoidQbeing effective tocause the Vstem to move outfofgitsnormalgabutting position andV through Va stroke 'of'A predetermined 4 length wherebyv the resilient means isjetective to-rnove'l'lthe Y:flexible Eir/allrneans; activation'lofuthe solenoid being leiective tomoje, the, plunger out-of v:its normal Vabutting 'position andrvlthroug'hr a stroke Vof predetermined lengthv y means iis` effective to bias said valve element toclose the inlet and-to move the-flexible wall vthe flexible wall means to dispense a quantity `ofgliquid means being determined by theV length of the stem stroke;

for saidinlet operative .to open the linlet for filling the metering ehamber and to,l close the inletduring'dispensing;

v for said loutletoperative to close'the outlet k during'lling of the chamber and to open thezioutlet dur.- n

valve means pensed being determinedby the amount of movement of the flexible wallgme'ans; the amount of movement of SQA liquid dispenser comprising a body. having a liquid Vmetering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; check valve means releasably closing said outlet; a valve element for said inlet; flexible wall means-forming a portion ofthe wall of Asaid metering chamber; said'exible wall'Y means means to ldispenseza quantityof liquid determinedby the ing dispensingyand flexible wall means forming a portion j ofthe wall'off'saidmetering chambeignsaidflexible wall" ymea`ns leing"Vtleformable to expel liquidfromVA the .meter whereby they esilieiit .being movable toward theoutlettojdispense liquid from therneteringchamber ithroughg'saidjoutlet; resilient means i 1bi-asingisaid;valve elementftocloserandr said exible-wall means to V'move towardV said. outlet;k`an electric solenoid fhavingfasli'clable plunger normally lpositionedto abut against; saidresilient meansA and y:prevent"movement' of 'amunt ofv movement Vof the ilexible `wall.` means; the

'1' amount'iof r'movement `of .the flexible wall means being f. fdetermined by'the'jlength'of the plunger Vstroke; and 7 0imeans to adjust Ythe length Vvofthe plunger stroke.

. han liquid dispenser comprising a body having a d metering chamber; an inletjto said meteringchamber; an

:ontletfroins'aid'metering chamber; check valvejmeansreleasably closing saidioutleQaV-valve element for saidl inlet; .av collapshlebellows 'forming a portion ofthey Wall of said metering chamber; said bellows being collapsible to dispense liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; resilient means biasing said valve element to close and said bellows to collapse; an electric solenoid having a slidable plunger normally positioned to oppose said resilient means and prevent collapse of the bellows; activation of the solenoid being effective to move the plunger out of its normal opposing position and through a stroke of predetermined length whereby the resilient means is effective to bias said valve element to close the metering chamber inlet and collapse the flexible wall means to dispense a quantity of liquid determined by the amount of deformation of the bellows; the amount of deformation of the bellows being determined by the length of the plunger stroke; and means to adjust the length of the plunger stroke.

7. A liquid dispenser comprising a body having a liquid metering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; check valve means releasably closing said outlet; a valve element for said inlet; a flexible bellows forming a portion of the wall of said metering chamber; said bellows being deformable to dispense liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; resilient means biasing said valve element to close and said bellows to deform; an electric solenoid having a slidable plunger normally positioned to oppose said resilient means and prevent deformation of a bellows; activation of the solenoid being effective to move the plunger out of its normal opposing position and through a stroke of predetermined length whereby the resilient means is effective to bias said valve element to close the metering chamber inlet and to deform the bellows to dispense a quantity of liquid determined by the amount of deformation of the bellows; the amount of deformation of the bellows being determined by the length of the plunger stroke; and means to pre-position the plunger prior to activation of the solenoid to thus vary the length of the plunger stroke upon activation of the solenoid.

8. A liquid dispenser comprising a body having a liquid metering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; check valve means releasably closing said outlet; a Valve element for said inlet; flexible bellows forming a portion of the wall of said metering chamber; said bellows being deformable to dispense liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; resilient means biasing said valve element to close and said bellows to deform; an electric solenoid having a slidable plunger normally positioned to oppose said resilient means and prevent deformation of the bellows; activation of the solenoid being effective to move the plunger out of its normal opposing position and through a stroke of predetermined length whereby the resilient means is effective to bias said valve element to close the inlet and deform the bellows to dispense a quantity of liquid determined by the amount of deformation of the bellows; the amount of deformation of the bellows being determined by the length of the plunger stroke; and means to adjust the length of the plunger stroke comprising a stop member on the plunger; an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends; a first end of said arm being positionable along the longitudinal axis of the plunger; means associated with the second end of the arm to pivot the arm and move the first end to a selected position with respect to the plunger stop member; contact of said first end with the stop member on the plunger being effective to determine the length of the plunger stroke.

9. A liquid dispenser comprising a body having a liquid metering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; check valve means releasably closing said outlet; an inlet valve element; flexible bellows forming a portion of the wall of said metering chamber; said bellows being deformable to dispense liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; resilient means biasing and inlet valve element to close the metering chamber inlet and deform said bellows; an electric solenoid having a slidable plunger normally positioned by second resilient means to oppose said first resilient means; said second resilient means being stronger than said first resilient means to thereby prevent deformation of the bellows; activation of the solenoid being effective to move the plunger against the second resilient means out of its normal opposing position and through a stroke of predetermined length whereby the first resilient means is effective to bias said inlet valve element to close the inlet and to deform the bellows to dispense a quantity of liquid determined by the amount of deformation of the bellows; the amount of deformation of the bellows being determined by the length of the plunger stroke; and means to move the plunger against the action of said second resilient means to pre-position the plunger prior to activation of the solenoid to thereby adjust the length of the plunger stroke.

10. A liquid dispenser comprising a body having a liquid metering chamber; an inlet to said metering chamber; an outlet from said metering chamber; check valve means releasably closing said outlet; an inlet valve element; a flexible diaphragm forming a portion of the wall of said metering chamber; a stem member operatively connected to said diaphragm; a portion of the stem extending into the metering chamber and slidably carrying said inlet valve element; rst resilient means between the diaphragm and inlet valve element biasing said inlet valve element towards closure of the metering chamber inlet; second resilient means, stronger than said first resilient means, biasing said diaphragm to a deformed position to dispense liquid from the metering chamber through said outlet; an electric solenoid having a slidable plunger operatively connected to said stem and normally positioned to oppose said second resilient means and prevent deformation of the diaphragm; activation of said solenoid being effective to move the solenoid plunger out of its normal opposing position and permit said second resilient means to deform the diaphragm and move the stem through a stroke of predetermined length thereby closing the metering chamber inlet and dispensing a quantity of liquid determined by the amount of deformation of the diaphragm; the amount of deformation of the diaphragm being determined by the length of the stem stroke; and means to adjust the length of the stem stroke.

11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 10 and further characterized in that the means to adjust the length of the stem stroke comprise a stop member on the stem; an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends; a rst end of said arm being positionable along the longitudinal axis of the stem; means associated with the second end of the arm to pivot the arm and move the first end to a selected position with respect to the stem stop member; contact of said rst end with the stop member being eiective to determine the length of the stem stroke.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,506,528 Webb et al May 2, 1950 2,717,500 Ploeger Sept. 13, 1955 2,888,174 Bauerlein May 26, 1959 2,951,450 Fisher Sept. 6, -1960 2,972,434 James Feb. 21, 1961 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,162 ,-335 December 22, 1964 Henry W. Kogan et al. 1t s hereby certified that em1 or' appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below Column 10, line 5, for "and" read said Signed and sealed this 22nd day of June 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER- EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Ufficer i Commissioner of Patents 

1. IN A LIQUID DISPENSER COMPRISING A BODY HAVING A LIQUID METERING CHAMBER; AN INLET TO SAID METERING CHAMBER; AN OUTLET FROM SAID METERING CHAMBER; VALVE MEANS FOR SAID INLET OPERATIVE TO OPEN THE INLET FOR FILLING THE METERING CHAMBER AND TO CLOSE THE INLET DURING DISPENSING; VALVE MEANS FOR SAID OUTLET OPERATIVE TO CLOSE THE OUTLET DURING FILLING OF THE CHAMBER AND TO OPEN THE OUTLET DURING DISPENSING; AND FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS FORMING A PORTION OF THE WALL OF SAID METERING CHAMBER; SAID FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS BEING DEFORMABLE TO EXPEL LIQUID FROM THE METERING CHAMBER THROUGH SAID OUTLET; THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING THE PROVISION OF RESILIENT MEANS BIASING THE FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS TO A DEFORMED POSITION; A SLIDABLE STEM MEMBER NORMALLY POSITIONED TO OPPOSE SAID RESILIENT MEANS AND PREVENT DEFORMATION OF THE FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS; MEANS TO MOVE THE STEM OUT OF ITS NORMAL OPPOSING POSITION AND THROUGH A STROKE OF PREDETERMINED LENGTH WHEREBY THE RESILIENT MEANS IS EFFECTIVE TO DEFORM THE FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS TO DISPENSE A QUANTITY OF LIQUID THROUGH SAID OUTLET; THE AMOUNT OF LIQUID DISPENSED BEING DETERMINED BY THE AMOUNT OF DEFORMATION OF THE FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS; THE AMOUNT OF DEFORMATION OF THE FLEXIBLE WALL MEANS BEING DETERMINED BY THE LENGTH OF THE STEM STROKE; AND MEANS TO ADJUST THE LENGTH OF THE STEM STROKE COMPRISING 